MPs are determined not to let the House of Lords scupper the anti-hunting bill, which will stop the Waterloo Cup running in February.

The Hunting Bill, which was passed in the Commons last night after an extraordinary invasion of Parliament by pro-hunt protesters, vetoes hare-coursing in three months.

The Waterloo Cup at Altcar will now only go ahead if the House of Lords tries to block the bill, slowing its implementaion, allowing the hare coursing event to proceed one last time.

West Lancashire MP Colin Pickthall said: "We are determined not to let that happen. The Lords should take into account the thuggish and un-Parliamentary behaviour of the pro-hunting mob."

All Merseyside MPs backed the bill, which will outlaw all hunting with dogs after 18 months. The bill was passed by 356 votes to 166. Tony Moore is chairman of the Fight Against Animal Cruelty and is from Southport.

He said: "For a change, the hunt lobby have become the protesters and we now have the law on our side.

"My one concern now is that the organisers of the Waterloo Cup will try to bring it forward so they can get it in before the ban comes into effect.."

But regional director of the Countryside Alliance in the North West Tom Bell said: "I am devastated at the thought of being banned from this activity.

"We will continue to lobby for this bill to be reversed and are confident that it will fall in the House of Lords.

"We do not condone the activities of those who forced their way into the House"

Fifteen pro-hunting demonstrators were being held in custody today following yesterday's violent clashes with police outside Parliament.

Violence first erupted at about 3.30pm yesterday in Parliament Square.

Fireworks, plastic bottles and placards were thrown at the lines of uniformed officers.

Police fought the crowd back with batons and dozens of people were seen with blood pouring from wounds.

Extra police are on patrol within the Palace of Westminster after the unprecedented breach of security yesterday, when five prohunting protesters burst on to the floor of the House of Commons as MPs debated the Bill.

Eight men - including Otis Ferry, the son of rock star Bryan Ferry - were today being questioned by police.

An internal investigation is underway to identify a parliamentary pass-holder who is believed to have guided the men towards the Commons chamber.

The Hunting Bill has its formal first reading in the House of Lords today, but it is not expected to receive a full debate until October.